Easy DIY Outdoor Chairs

We are lucky enough to have a nice fire pit in the backyard. Having four boys who love all things outdoors, we use it all the time. Up until now, we have lugged out the dining room chairs every time we use the fire pit. I finally broke down and decided that outdoor chairs needed to be pushed to the top of my to-do list. I knew this would be the perfect project to partner with Thompson’s WaterSeal: since the chairs will be outside all the time, I need them to be protected from the rain and sprinklers.

A long time ago I built a bench for Shane’s brother and his wife for their new home. I liked the design I came up with so much that I decided to use it for these chairs. I liked that the bench was deep enough that adding a pillow didn’t make you feel like you were sitting on the edge of the seat. And since it’s made from 1x4s and 2x4s, it’s very sturdy and won’t blow away every time it gets a little windy.

Cut list per chair:

(11) 18” 1x4s – slats for seat and back

(2) 22” 2x4s – front and back connector

(2) 38” 2x4s – back legs and back

(2) 17” 2x4s – front legs

(2) 15” 2x4s – finishes off sides

(1) 18” 1×3 – caps off top of chair for a finished look

(1) 15” 1×3 – added to back of chair

I started by cutting two pieces of 2×4 to be 38 inches high and two pieces to be 17 inches high. The 38-inch boards will be the back and the 17-inch-high boards will be the front legs. Then I cut two 22-inch boards. These will connect the front and the back and determine how deep your chair is. If you don’t plan on having pillows and want it a bit shallower, 18 inches would be a good depth too.

I wanted the back slightly slanted so it would be more comfortable. I measured and marked the center of the top of the back 2x4s, then used a straightedge to draw a line down to the bottom where the seat will be.

I used my jigsaw to cut along the line, then sanded it after cutting.

Now it’s time to attach all the 1×4 boards. I cut 11 boards to be 18 inches long, attached the front pieces first to the leg pieces as shown below, then added the back piece.

By adding the front and back pieces of the seat first, you can then fill in the center and make sure the gaps are all equal. I eyeballed it, although the measurement will be about ½ inch.

Once the seat boards are attached with wood screws, you can start the back. I started with the lowest one. Instead of having it flush against the seat board, I made a ½ gap. I added the top back board next so I could then fill in the middle like the way I did the seat.

Now that the chair is basically assembled, it’s time to add some boards that will give it a more finished look. Cut a 2×4 board to fit inside the legs and attach one to each side.

I added a 1×3 to the top and to the back of the seat like shown below.

The chair is completely assembled! It is really a pretty easy build. I built all four in one day.

Once the chair is done you will want to use a hand sander to remove any inked-on text from the wood, then hand sand the whole chair. 1x4s have a waxy feel and won’t absorb stain well unless you sand and open the pores. Wherever you used the hand sander, make sure to sand well or you will be able to see the circular marks made by the sander when you begin to stain. Start with a 100 grit then finish with a 150 or 220.

To apply the stain, I used a brush that is designed for use with oil-based paints and stains: Purdy White Bristle. They are made to deliver a smooth finish. Using a brush made it easy to stain the ½” gaps between the boards.

Allow the chairs enough time to dry before using them. The can recommends letting the stain dry for 24 hours to cure completely.

I live in a desert, but every time I need to do an outdoor project, it rains. Luckily this time it was on and off and was fairly light, so I covered the chairs with a tarp so they could dry. Once they were dry, I put them around the firepit and told my boys we could have a fire that night. The weather once again had other plans. On the plus side, seeing the water bead up showed how effectively the Thompson’s WaterSeal stain protects the chairs from water damage!

They fit around our firepit nicely!

And once the weather cleared up, we were able to test them out. Someone who shall remain nameless (*cough cough Shane*) ate the marshmallows before we could roast them, but hot dogs for dinner is always a hit.

Do you have enough outdoor seating? What type of outdoor seating do you have? I am thinking of adding an outdoor couch next!

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This project was sponsored by Thompson’s WaterSeal but all ideas and opinions are 100% my own.

Comments

Stacy you must make one for yourself.They really do look nice as well as comfortable. How very neat and professional they also look. you did a great job. I was wondering if you took advantage of having the lumber cut for you at the lumber store but i saw in your instructions that you even did that part.

Thank you! They really are super comfortable. The plan was to make 8 total (a couple extra for guests) but I thought 4 would be easier to start with since I had a deadline to meet. If I have a lot of lumber to buy, and I have a car instead of my van, I have the store make some cuts so they will fit in my car. It really is such a nice service!

Welcome to my blog where I share my adventures of fixing up our tiny 1938 cottage. Whether it is big or small, I think everyone should love their home and I don't think it takes a lot of money to make a space your own.